Bold Labels
Bold City Brewery has definitely figured out their namesake’s meaning, with not just wonderfully designed labels but a varied selection of styles that any sudschugger would appreciate::
(images from lovelypackage.com)
Mad Manatee IPA
The American IPA is a different soul from the reincarnated IPA style. More flavorful than the withering English IPA, color can range from very pale golden to reddish amber. Hops are typically American with a big herbal and / or citric character, bitterness is high as well. Moderate to medium bodied with a balancing malt backbone.
Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale
This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable.
A Slight nuttiness and sweetness are present.
Killer Whale Cream Ale
If you are tied to Lagers, this ale may be for you.
It’s not too malty and not too hoppy. Very light and refreshing.
and to our new married friends::
(courtesy boldcitybrewery)
Fritz’s Hefeweizen
A south German style of wheat beer (weissbier) made with a typical ratio of 50% 2-Row : 50% Wheat. The “Hefe” prefix means “with yeast”, hence the beers unfiltered and cloudy appearance.
So has anyone tried any of these Jacksonville brews and can vouch for the cover judging the story? They seem to mostly be found in the FL area so if you are too, let us know what you think! Cheers on~
Porters Vs. Stouts
(courtesy the kitchn.com)
This link was sent over to me by Lady Patience. While the article might be “old news” for people who are bit more involved with the brewing processes/history, it still is a nice simple way of discerning between two beers that are as much fun to debate as they are to drink (I’d also like to say that they prove to be the ultimate test as to people’s beer experience when they say things like, “You have to chew Guinness because it’s so thick!”).
Severe Beer Names
(courtesy darbyspub)
I ordered the Stone Brutal Bitter at the Blind Tiger the other day, expecting to really punish my taste buds. I figured a bitter beer that accompanied an adjective of such deep negativity would go way past bitter, speed by overly bitter and flip the bird at way too bitter as it coasted by. Instead, I got a beer that was enjoyable, easy to drink and the antithesis of brutal. Damn them! Shouldn’t beers that sound like they’ve gone over the edge TASTE like they’ve gone over the edge? Here’s a list of beer names that I would like to see brewers try to match a taste to that equals their severity:
- Bear Trap IPA
The type of beer that grabs you, makes you scream and only is it when the trap is released when the pain REALLY hits you.
- You Will Puke Porter
High ABV, dark as the sun is bright and the faintest hint of ipecac.
- Tongue in a Wood Chipper ESB
Before you realize what you’ve done, there’s too much blood in your mouth to scream for help.
- Sickle Cell Stout
A deep, severe weakness comes over you when you drink this
- BudWHYser
Each bottle has a different flavor that makes you wonder, “Why, oh WHY did they make this!?” Potential flavors include oyster, dung and placenta.
- Stab in the Back Bock
There’s just something about this beer that tastes like it feels to have your best friend sleep with your girlfriend.
- Pretty Racist Red Ale
Not, “that guy is pretty racist,” but, “man, that girl is so pretty, but kinda racist.” Your conflict will confuse you.
(courtesy all posters)
Hop or Not 2
The premise is simple – there are many types of hop varieties and some of the names are a bit silly. I’m going to post a name and you have to guess if it is a hop variety or not. Make your guess in the comment sections or be a wet towel and look it up before you answer.
Event of The Week: 11/16/09 – 11/20/09
Chelsea Brewery Event at BGH
Tuesday – 11/17/09
If anyone wants to figure out which beers are making exceptional beers, just ask me what current breweries I don’t like. Why? Cause I’m almost always wrong about them. Case in point – Chelsea. I was down on Chelsea for a while because of their lifeless cask beers I kept having. Then I tried their 90 Schilling Wee Heavy and their Black Hole Stout (which, literally, is so dark that it sucks light out of the room). Both were amazing and made me rethink my attitude towards Manhattan’s only brewery (not counting Heartland Brewery because, well, you know…)
Kelso at The Farm
Wednesday 11/18/09 ($40)
Speaking of Kelso, here’s a chance to try a few grade A beers at a restaurant that makes great food in an amazing way. Sure, it’s a bit expensive and it bit out of the way (Ditmas park, baby!), but make this your one event and support a brewer whose proven their mastery more than a few times over.
1st Year Anniversary at Rattle ‘N’ Hum
Thursday through Sunday 11/19/09 – 11/20/09
The Cask Fest at The Brazen Head was a great time. The beer was delicious, the variety amazing and the number of casks available was unheard of. Until two weeks later. Rattle ‘N’ Hum is taking The Brazen Head’s 10 and taking it to 11. They’ll have 20 casks loaded up at any given time and promise over 50 different, only one of each, casks. Good…lord. Lady Patience might have to bolt the door from the outside (or just stock the fridge with some beer) if she wants to keep me from spending 72 straight hours smacking the bar at Rattle ‘N’ Hum.
“I Love New York” Beer Week at Spring Lounge
Monday – Friday 11/16/09 – 11/20/09
It’s shocking that this wasn’t an easy pick for me. I mean, this is an entire week devoted to New York beers! Each day features a different New York brewery. Monday is Southern Tier, Tuesday is Ommegang, Wednesday is Southampton, Thursday is Brooklyn Brewery, Friday is Ithaca Brewery and on Saturday they’re going to realize it was a mistake to do a “I Love New York” beer appreciation week without including a night for Six Point. The good news is that even though they aren’t featured, they are represented (so is Chelsea, Captain Lawrence, Blue Point and – didn’t know this was one of those reasons to love New York beers – Genessee).
Fall into Hops
There’s just something about hops that work for me. Here’s a nice little article from Serious Eats about some seasonal beers that lean towards the hop side.
New Billy Burg Beer Barden…I mean, “Garden”
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(courtesy soulardoktoberfest)
I wouldn’t mind if there was a beer garden on every block in New York. They preach big beers, community (tell me you haven’t clinked glasses with a complete stranger with those giant liter mugs), and most importantly, being outside. Good news is that someone noticed there aren’t enough of these establishments and decided it was their turn to put something up in a Borough not visited by Prince Akeem and Semmi*. There’s a new beer garden about to pop up at 64 Frost Street in Williamsburg. They’re just waiting on their certificate of occupancy and then they’re going to slap some picnic tables on some concrete and take your cash for cans of Tecate.**
*Arsenio played a bunch of characters in Coming to America, but my favorite character name (from IMDB) is “Extremely Ugly Girl.”
** I have no idea what their plans are and I guess I should hold out some hope that it’s more Bohemian Hall than Studio Squared.
Hop or Not
I’m starting a new segment on this blog called Hop or Not.
The premise is simple – there are many types of hop varieties and some of the names are a bit silly. I’m going to post a name and you have to guess if it is a hop variety or not. Make your guess in the comment sections or be a wet towel and look it up before you answer.
(courtesy Hopsy)
Event of the Week: 11/09/09 – 11/14/09
Great Divide at Rattle ‘N’ Hum
Tuesday – 11/10/09
I’m starting to figure out that I might be an Anti-Coloradoist. For some reason, I refuse to acknowledge how good the beer is that comes out of that state. Yet, every beer I’ve had that gets shipped out of that box shaped state is impressive. Whether you’re a pro or anti Coloradoist, the event at Rattle ‘N’ Hum with Great Divide will be a good place to explore where you stand.
Victory at The Pony
Tuesday – 11/10/09
This Pennsylvania brewery has a modest showing in New York, but usually has at least one line at most of the proper beer bars. The Pony is going to one up that and put 20 lines and 2 casks out of Victory’s brews. Which makes me wonder why bars don’t do smaller tasting sizes or flights for events like this or why they don’t just go Kamakazi on us and make one beer that has a little bit of each one? Come on people, we can make these brewery showcases much better / worse.
Ale Street News Beer Dinner at Cloverleaf in NJ
Tuesday – 11/10/09
There are two beers that I got excited to see featured at Cloverleaf. The first is Founder’s Breakfast Stout. It’s a fantastic beer and is the first I’ve had where I said, “You know, breakfast beer might actually work.” The Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin is also amazing and the one pumpkin beer I couldn’t find for this year’s pumpkin tasting. This event originally had my vote for Event of the Week until I realized it was in New Jersey. I’m not saying I hate everything about New Jersey…I’m just not going to continue talking right now.
Allagash Bash at the Stags Head
Wednesday – 11/11/09
I was going to complain that they were only going to have 6 of Allagash’s beers on tap, but then I realized that trying 6 beers in one night is pretty amazing. We’ve become quite greedy, we have.
English Beer Night at Manchester
Wednesday – 11/11/09
No idea what type of beers are going to be available, but if I know the Manchester Pub as well as I think I do, they’ll probably offer Old Speckled Hen and a punch in the face for $4.
Meet the Brewer Gulden Draak and Piratt – Swift Hibernian Lounge
Thursday – 11/12/09
Coolest logo around right now.
Speakeasy at Standings
Thursday – 11/12/09
Speakeasy is catching my eye everywhere. So is Dick’s brewery and The Breuery, but that’s another story. Speakeasy, from San Fran, just seems to be making a push in NYC and I say we let em (that’s right, I get to decide these types of thing). Standings is as good of a sports bar as you’re going to find in NYC so if you’re making plans to watch Thursday Night Football, might as well do it at Standings. Oh and they have free pizza. That’s right. FRRREEEEEEEEEE PIZZAA!
Stone Kicks Off Strong Ale Fest at David Copperfields
Thursday – 11/12/09
If you’re feeling like heading north of 59th street, this event shouldn’t be missed. David Copperfields is kicking off their Strong Ale Fest with Stone Brewery. Not a bad way to kick off an event if you ask me. Here’s the list of what they’ll have that night:
Imperial Russian Stout ’09
India Pale Ale
Old Guardian ‘07
Smoked Porter
Vertical Epic ’08
Vertical Epic ’09
Collaboration Series:
BrewDog Stone Bashah
BrewDog Cambridge Stone Juxtaposition
Ken Schmidt Maui Stone Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter
I’m really excited to try the Maui Stone Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter, which wins this year’s award for hardest beer to order at a loud bar.
Beer Art
For all you kids that prefer ocular drinking, FAME has a poster collection for Pastrami Jack’s lessons in beer::
Beer Art for the Gents
[from ffffound]
Dainty for the Gals
[from Alan Peters Blog]
